After Dinner Speech

We need to talk about Space!

After Dinner Speech Title: WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SPACE"For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with Space Exploration.I've always imagined that one day, I would don a Spacesuit, hitch a ride on a rocket and see the Earth from afar. Or something like that. To see this planet that we call home. And I want to tell everyone about the beauty of Space and the massive human achievement to put even one man up there- the science, the engineering, the creative thinking. And Irelands involvement in this magnificent adventure. But I also need to highlight, the wider, social & cultural implications of Space exploration and & the realistic possibility of human colonization of Mars as a possible solution to the dwindling energy & food reserves on our planet. Because we need to know where our wonderful, vibrant, passionate human race is headed. And Space is becoming part of our future. And so, we need to talk about Space."

Biography: Performer, scientist & engineer, Dr. Niamh Shaw is passionate about awakening people’s curiosity. She is the 2014 Artist in Residence at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork and was recently awarded SFI funding (in association with CIT BCO & ESERO Ireland) to highlight Ireland’s involvement in the Space Industry & the associated STEM careers. She regularly contributes popular science/tech related topics on national radio, press, podcasts, & TV , as well as hosting/facilitating panel discussions, workshops, or Q&A events (UCD Science Expression, Engineers Ireland, Undergraduate Awards, Science Gallery) . She also speaks publicly on all things curious, including Trailblazery Rites of Passage Series (Dublin Fringe Festival), Space Expo 2013 (TCD), Curious Tales with Dara O’Briain (Festival of Curiosity) and Blackrock Castle Observatory calendar of Space-related events. She co-founded TATSOI, who made ‘That’s About The Size Of It’ & IN SIGHT OF EUREKA as part of an artist in residency at Festival of Curiosity. She performs weekly with The Craic Pack Comedy Improv & long form improv troupe The Cardinals & teaches improvisation to scientists & academics to enhance their public engagement skills. She is a member of Engineers Ireland and the Institute of Physics . As part of the SFI project award, Niamh & CIT BCO are currently creating a theatre show about Irelands involvement in Space , which will be presented during Science Week 2014 and as well as a touring adapted version for primary & secondary schools. She is curious, always.